Flash Marriage To The Dangerous Billionaire - Chapter 22: Chapter 22

"You..."
Tucker's eyes reddened with fury as he glared at Hallie. His gaze was so intense that it seemed he might lunge forward and tear her apart.
"No matter what you say or do here, it's pointless. I'll never return."
She had a packed schedule today and didn't want to waste another moment on Tucker. Engaging with him was a drain on both her time and energy.
To be perfectly honest, she ached to return to the company—the very enterprise Phillip had dedicated his life to building—without a moment's delay. Yet such a homecoming remained out of reach, at least for the time being.
In recent years, Tucker had achieved little else besides masterminding the placement of spies and cultivating loyalists. These people had infiltrated every department of the company. Rooting them out would require a coordinated effort from both within and outside the company.
Thankfully, there were several executives who had been loyal to Phillip. Hallie had been maintaining secret contact with them during this period.
These seasoned veterans had warned her repeatedly: she must not return until the "cancer" within the company was completely eliminated.
Though Hallie didn't fully grasp the intricacies of corporate politics, she trusted that these elders had a well-laid plan. After all, their advice came with decades of experience.
Tucker was now fully enraged. But he didn't dare to resort to physical violence, knowing the consequences would be severe.
A malicious thought took hold in his mind. 'If this bitch won't let me live in peace, I'll make sure she'll regret it. Anyway, my damn dad is gone, so there's no one left to protect her. What do I have to fear now?'
"Fine, Hallie, just you wait. You'll regret those words," Tucker snarled, his expression a grotesque mix of fury and condescension, his voice dripping with malice.
Hallie narrowed her eyes as she watched Tucker storm off.
If she told anyone this man was her biological father, who would believe it? A self-deprecating sneer tugged at her lips.
Grief would have to wait. Now, her patients needed her attention.
Outside her office, over a dozen people waited in line.
At this hospital, higher comprehensive ratings meant steeper consultation fees. So the patients before her were all either wealthy or well-connected.
But money didn't equate to manners. After years here, Hallie had seen every type and grown almost immune.
"Hey, can this be cured? I've taken my mom to tons of hospitals," barked a portly middle-aged man in glasses, a thick gold chain sagging around his neck.
He perched half on the desk edge, his accent betraying a foreign origin.
Beside him, a hunched, aged woman sat submissively, fidgeting on the chair.
Aware of the trouble she might bring, she blushed, her face etched with guilt and anxiety about her health.
Hallie ignored the man, typing expressionlessly on her keyboard to pull up a form.
"Name, age?" she asked without lifting her eyes from the screen.
After inputting the basics, she took out a stethoscope and conducted a skillful examination.
About a minute later, Hallie printed the report and handed it to the man.
"Your mother has cardiac issues. I'll prescribe medication to stabilize her. If dizziness or nausea persists beyond a week, come directly to the hospital to meet me without delay."
"Cardiac issues? For real?" The man gaped, skepticism written all over his face.
"We've consulted countless doctors. All of them diagnosed liver failure. Not a single one mentioned cardiac issues... Young lady, how old are you, anyway?"
To many patients, the archetypal experienced doctor was an older, balding figure.
"Callopston Medical School, graduated three years ago. I'm twenty-four." Hallie opened with her university qualifications, aiming to instill credibility.
However, the man's frown deepened, his eyes swimming with doubt.
"A professional doctor at your age? How'd you manage that?" He snorted, eyeing her with suspicion and a dash of scorn.
"Listen, kid. I don't care about your career path. Given your youth, I'll overlook this misdiagnosis. But you'd better double-check. Make sure it's a cardiac issue or liver failure."
Though he phrased it as a request, his tone admitted no contradiction.
Hallie had dealt with this sort of self-assured patient.
"How did the other doctors explain the symptoms?" she asked.
"All about liver function. I looked it up on Google. Heart problems have nothing to do with this. The doctors just said my mom needed rest and should cut back on oily foods. I've spent over 300 thousand dollars on medications to maintain her health."
"Did any of those treatments work?" Hallie asked, her voice steady.
This sharp question struck the man like an arrow through the heart, leaving him momentarily speechless.
He sized Hallie up and down, then snapped, "The doctors I consulted had decades of experience yet failed to cure her. How could you, just three years out of medical school, possibly succeed?
"Yes, I can," Hallie replied succinctly.
"But only if you trust me and follow my instructions. The choice is yours."
If this man couldn't trust her expertise, there was no point in persuading him.
Meeting her calm gaze, the man hesitated before deciding to take a chance no matter what.
He took the diagnosis report and prescription, heading downstairs to get the meds.
Clarissa, passing by, noticed the man frowning as he accompanied his mother out of Hallie's office. She immediately grasped the situation.
"Another patient questioning your credentials?" she asked, stepping inside.
"Yeah." Hallie nodded.
"Don't let it get to you." Clarissa waved dismissively.
"Anyway, those patients who doubt you will end up grateful beyond words, saying they hardly know how to repay your help."
It was true. Hallie's youth often sparked skepticism. Some even accused her of securing her position through nepotism. But as Clarissa said, those same doubters usually ended up eating their words.
Knowing Clarissa was comforting her, Hallie offered a wry smile. "Don't worry. I won't mind, really."
"Dr. Levine! Emergency!" The panicked cry suddenly erupted.
Hallie turned around to see Ruby Stewart, the reception nurse, dashing toward her with a pale face. Never had Hallie seen such terror inscribed in her face. It bespoke of something gravely amiss.
"What's happening?"
Ruby was gasping for air, her words failing to cohere. "Downstairs... an elderly patient... went into shock after taking medication."